Robert Murray/WHL

Alexander Alexeyev, D, Red Deer Rebels, WHLHeight: 6’3”Weight: 200 lbs.Shoots: RightBorn: November 15, 1999 – St. Petersburg, Russia
Draft: 2016 CHL Import Draft - Round #1 (49th overall) by Red Deer RebelsOne of the first things noticeable with Alexeyev is how fluid his
skating is for defenceman of his size. His big, long strides help him
take up a lot of space on his defensive zone coverage and when he skates
the puck up ice. Soft hands when making cross ice passes to defence
partner or to streaking forward. Can put the pass right on the tape and
likes to play the game at his own pace taking time to regroup in his own
zone. Does well keeping his stick in passing lanes and good at breaking
up odd-man rush. Good puck control especially when puck is bouncing or
rolling. Would much rather pass the puck and move it up ice than skate
it up. Needs to add physical part of his game.

2016-17 Season: Skated in 41 games for Red Deer before going
down with a season ending knee injury in late January. He finished the
season with four goals and 21 points. Before the season, he skated with
Russia in the Ivan Hlinka tournament as an Assistant Captain.

Terry Wilson / OHL Images

Hunter Holmes, C, Flint Firebirds, OHLHeight: 6'1"Weight: 181 lbs.Shoots: LeftBorn: January 25, 2000 – St. David's, Ontario, Canada
Draft: 2016 OHL Draft – Round #2 (22nd overall) by Flint FirebirdsHas a good sense of direction of where he needs to take his game on a
nightly basis and brings tremendous work ethic each shift. There are
some nights where you wish he would get rewarded for his hard work both
offensively and defensively. Holmes is a playmaking centre who would
rather pass than shoot but when he takes a shot, he can shoot
accurately. Has a ton of room for growth physically. Deceiving down low
and able to find his linemates through the smallest holes and get the
puck to them. Tall, lanky kid is not the strongest skater but works hard
on the forecheck and back check. Needs to build strength in the face
off circle and a kid his size. Lacks any physicality which would give
him an edge in many aspects of the game including battles in the corners
and separation from the defence.

2016-17 Season: Holmes missed only one game
all season scoring five goals and adding eight assists. Took over 500
faceoffs wining just under 50% of them. Dressed in all five postseason
games vs. Sault Ste. Marie, posting one assist.

LHJMQ Media

Xavier Bouchard, D, Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHLHeight: 6'2"Weight: 180 lbs.Shoots: RightBorn: February 28, 2000 –Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada
Draft: 2016 QMJHL Draft – Round #1 (5th overall) by Baie-Comeau DrakkarStandout defensive defenceman who prides himself on taking care of
his own zone. Gives his goalies a clear view of the play by keeping the
crease clear and clearing rebounds. Strong in the corners and battles
hard to clear pucks out of his zone. Likes to send cross-ice passes and
often right on the tape. Mature and has a High IQ who makes correct
calls in all situations. Knows when to pinch in the offensive zone and
leaves himself enough space and time to skate back into position. Plays
both PP and PK and never wastes time getting rid of the puck. If he has a
lane to shoot, he will get the puck to the net and won't waste a shot
shooting in closed off lanes or into traffic. Earned Assistant Captaincy
this season.

2016-17 Season: Enjoyed a good rookie season from the
Baie-Comeau blue line, scoring four goals and adding 30 assists for 34
points in 63 games. Led all QMJHL rookie defencemen in points and was
14th overall in rookie scoring. Held off the scoresheet in a four-game
sweep at the hands of Charlottetown in the first round of the playoffs.
Dressed in all six games for Canada in the U-17 WHC.

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